Kamieskroon – Ai-Ais
366km 6h06min
We set off for Ai-Ais at 07h00 on a lovely clear, windless morning. We stopped in Springbok to buy chops and wors at the local Spar – arguably the most impressive Spar I ever saw.
Just before Vioolsdrift we encountered a Stop and Go where the N7 was washed away recently. It was the best-organised Stop and Go I ever saw. We were once again awed by the power of flood waters.
Sanral’s contractor was clearly very well-briefed. Customs and immigration was a walk in the park – the officials were clearly not in a mood to hassle people. The Namibian immigration staff was very friendly, but the lack of directions and instructions were frustrating. However, we were soon on our way. Sadly, neither the Shell nor the Engen garages had sim cards in stock. We changed our mind about the route to Ai-Ais as the wind was getting very strong and we didn’t feel like a long drive on gravel roads. The reception at Ai-Ais was warm and friendly.
The junk yard between reception and the family lodges is a real eyesore and didn’t instil any confidence in the management, or lack thereof, of the resort.
Not having local sim cards we were dependent on the (very sluggish) WiFi at the bar/restaurant area. After we sent the mails that needed to be sent, we went into the shop to buy wood, firelighters etc. We were told before we left that standards at Ai-Ais went south, and walking into the shop was a shocker. With a captive market (no shops within 100km) the shop could make an absolute killing. The shops at picnic places (not camp shops) in Kruger have a much better selection of goods, and the prices are much lower.
After the long day we were ready for an early evening so we lit the braai fire early. Then our disillusionment got worse. No braai tongs in the kitchen. When the wors was done we found out the kitchen had no plates, only 3 side plates, 3 knives and one fork! There was a 15 liter pot though – but no pans etc. The wors was brilliant, and so was the loin chops and potatoes we baked in foil with garlic and herb butter.
